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Molecular Biology

College of Sciences

	QUICK JUMP
	Molecular Biology
	Requirements and Core Courses
	Biochemistry Facilities
	Careers in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
	Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation
	Scholarships and Financial Aid
	Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You
	Contact Information

Molecular Biology

Molecular biology, an option in the biochemistry major, provides an emphasis on the integration of genetics with the study of life on the molecular level. Biochemistry examines the reactions that occur in living cells, and it combines approaches from chemistry, physics, and biology to study the fundamental mechanisms of living things. Biochemistry is the central discipline of the molecular biosciences and their biomedical applications. • Offered at WSU: Bachelor of science in biochemistry with an option in molecular biology, minor in biochemistry, minor in molecular biology, master of science in biochemistry, doctorate • Available at: Pullman

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Requirements and Core Courses

—Bachelor of science in biochemistry, molecular biology option Majors in the molecular biology option take the following core courses as well as other University, college, and degree requirements. CORE COURSES Chem 105 & 106––Principles of Chemistry I & II Math 140––Math for the Life Sciences      or Math 171--Calculus I Math 212--Statistical Methods      or Math 172--Calculus II      or Stat 412--Biometry Biol 106 & 107––Introductory Biology I & II Chem 345 & 346--Organic Chemistry I & II Phys 101 & 102––General Physics I & II      or Phys 201 & 202--Physics for Scientists & Engineers I & II MBioS 301––General Genetics MBioS 305 & 306––General Microbiology & Lab MBioS 303 & 304––Introductory Biochemistry & Lab MBioS 494––Senior Project MBioS 401––Cell Biology MBioS 404--Molecular Genetics MBioS 465––Principles of Biophysical Chemistry MBioS 413 & 414––General Biochemistry I & II MBioS 454––Techniques in Molecular Biology Degree elective Pre-med students and those interested in advanced degrees should take a year of organic chemistry, which includes Chem 345, 346, and 348. Students should consult the General Catalog for course planning and must meet course requirements as outlined in the General Catalog in order to graduate. Students should consult with their academic advisor for specific details.

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Biochemistry Facilities

Biochemistry students have access to the following outstanding lab facilities: • Equipment for ultracentrifugation, recombinant DNA techniques, HPLC, protein analysis and purification, DNA sequencing and synthesizing, and more • Bioanalytical Laboratory • Electron Microscopy Center • Nuclear Radiation Center • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Center • X-ray Crystallography Laboratory • Science Learning and Instruction Center, a resource center for science majors that provides computer access, science software and videos, old tests, and other study aids • Owen Science and Engineering Library, the largest of its kind in the Northwest

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Careers in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry majors have wide and diverse career opportunities in the life sciences. Careers open to majors include technical positions in the food, pharmaceutical, agricultural, and biotechnology industries, in private or governmental laboratories, and in nonprofit institutions such as clinical and hospital laboratories and at institutes whose main activity is research. Graduates are also prepared to pursue advanced degree work in medicine, dentistry, veterinary science, and other fields. Advanced degrees can lead to teaching at the college level or conducting basic or applied research in the government, higher education, or private industry. Others have careers in law, business, and government.

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Suggested Strengths, Interests, and Preparation

• A good high school preparation in biology, chemistry, and mathematics • At least three years of sciences and math in high school recommended • Strong reading, writing, reasoning, and computer skills

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Scholarships and Financial Aid

Biochemistry majors are eligible for scholarships offered by the College of Sciences and the School of Molecular Biosciences. Additionally, a variety of federal, state, and University-sponsored programs are available to assist qualified students with education costs.

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Related Fields of Study That Might Interest You

The biochemistry program allows students to choose from one of two options. In addition to the molecular biology option, see Molecular Biophysics, which provides increased emphasis on physics and mathematics.

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Contact Information

School of Molecular Biosciences

Washington State University PO Box 647520 Pullman, WA 99164-7520

smbugrad@wsu.edu

509-335-1276

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Strengths of the Program

• Study with faculty who are noted for their work in protein biochemistry, DNA repair, structural biology, and reproductive biology.
• Undertake a research project of your own under one of WSU’s respected faculty researchers.
• Learn research techniques and operate advanced equipment.
• Individualize your course of study within the School of Molecular Biosciences.
• You can join a math, science, and engineering community residence hall at WSU Pullman—share classes with your neighbors, study together, get free tutoring, and use the hall’s computer lab.

Office of Enrollment Management, PO Box 641067, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-1067, 888-GO TO WSU (888-468-6978), Contact Us